CBC Archives

Ask: What is an ice storm? How might it form? Discuss the possible impacts, both human and physical, of a mild versus a severe ice storm.

Direct students to “Did you know” for Clips 1, 2, and 4, as well as the CBC Newsworld link, Peter Grogono’s link, and Environment Canada: Map of Ice Storm Freezing Rain Accumulations. Have students use the information from these sources to create a fact sheet describing, in chronological order, the atmospheric conditions that must exist in order for an ice storm to occur. Students may wish to visit Environment Canada’s Web site (www.ec.gc.ca) and examine the detailed information provided about the Ice Storm ’98 under the weather section, and add any new information to their fact sheet.

Next, pairs of students should work together, using both of their fact sheets, to create a visual explanation of the stages in the development and formation of an ice storm. Presentations might include diagrams, models, overheads, and so on.

Display students’ work and ask each pair to explain why they created their presentation in the manner that they did. Each pair should explain to the class how an ice storm is created.

Encourage class discussion of each presentation, including consideration of the effectiveness of the presentation and whether all pertinent information was included.

There are specific atmospheric conditions that cause hail storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, thunder, and lightning to occur. Have students complete a research paper on the formation of more or more of these atmospheric phenomena.